A new generation of creatives is leading the charge for LGBTQ+ representation.

In our June/July 2018 double issue, we highlight the many strides in entertainment—at times award-winning and at most times unsung—of the LGBTQ+ community. Emmy-winner Lena Waithe and artists like Frank Ocean continue to break down barriers, but for every Hollywood success story, there are so many more untold and unsung.

Spearheaded by our Associate Culture Editor, Barbara Gonzalez, our June/July editorials include an exclusive interview with Angelica Ross of the FX summer hit, POSE. The game-changing transgender star speaks candidly about the show’s mission to tell the stories of trans women of color in authentic ways. In further celebration, we highlight the best queer web series to get into this summer, LGBTQ+ authors to know, and a look at some of the freshest trans models lighting up the runway. Three young LGBTQ+ creatives of color are leading the charge for diversity, and we’re stoked to have them grace our cover. Singer/songwriter/actress Hayley Kiyoko is dubbed pop’s “Lesbian Jesus” by her legions of fans. Trans model/artist Laith Ashley and fashion creative Blake Diiamond embody the new wave of visionaries addressing inclusion or lack thereof of the queer community. For fans of our three cover stars, you knew they’ve rocked for a minute now. For those being introduced to them for the first time with this issue, meet the future.

And if there’s one city that has become the mecca for celebrating LGTBQ+ people of color, it’s Atlanta. This month, CASSIUS debuts Got Something To Say, a four-part video series examining Black LGBTQ+ life in the storied city.

Source: Courtesy of Cassius / Courtesy of CASSIUS

While teachable moments are essential, during Pride Month, it’s also time to celebrate the visionaries who are affecting change. To our LGBTQ+ readers and supporters, we offer this double issue as a celebration of you: your joys, your struggles, your strides and your well-being.

And of course, now that the summer is heating up, we have a blockbuster Hollywood Risk Takers package coming in July, that’s chock full of hot young talent gracing the big screen.

We hope you enjoy the exclusive content that will be revealed week after week.